Sport & Events Visa For Spain
If you have participated in sports or wish to attend an event in Spain, then you will require a Sport & Events Schengen Visa For Spain.
Call us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 for a smooth processing time and any help you require for obtaining the visa. Our proficient lawyers will guide you every step of the way.
Read our 1001 reviews
Request a call back from our immigration experts
Benefits of Choosing IAS‘ Spain Immigration Lawyers
When it comes to obtaining a Spain visa or permit, IAS Spain immigration lawyers are well-equipped to help you.
With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients visit or immigrate to Ireland successfully, we can help businesses and individuals achieve their goals.
Our dedicated immigration lawyers provide our services through a comprehensive and personalised approach. With IAS, you enjoy:
Expert support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success
Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.
Confidence that your case is being handled by an experienced team.
In-house document checks done by lawyers who are accredited by the IBA in Madrid and Seville.
Services we Provide
Spanish Schengen Visa for Sport & Event
The Spanish Sport & Event Visa is called Schengen Visa For Cultural / Sports / Religious Event And Film Crews.
With a Spain Visa for Sports and Events, you can travel freely within the EU/EAA region, even if you are not a member of an EU/EAA country.
The Spanish Sport & Event Schengen visa is only valid on a short-term basis, i.e 90 days out of 180 days.
Key Facts – Spain Sport & Event Visa
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa name | Short-stay Schengen Visa for Sports Activities in Spain |
| Duration of stay permitted | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Validity / entries | Typically single, double or multiple entry (depends on consulate and supporting documentation) |
| Purpose / scope | Participation in sports or cultural events, training, competitions, film crews, non-gainful activities tied to an event in Spain. |
| Main residence/entry rule | Applicant must apply at the Spanish consulate/embassy with jurisdiction over their place of legal residence. |
| Processing time | From 15 calendar days (minimum) under normal circumstances; may extend to 30 or even 60 days in exceptional/peak seasons. |
| Insurance requirement | Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for all Schengen states including repatriation. |
| Financial means requirement | The Spanish border code states travellers may need to prove sufficient means; one source cites “118 €/day or 1,065 € for 9 days or more” for certain non-visa-exempt approved entrants. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
Do You Need A Visa To Enter Spain?
You need to present an official document when you enter Spain. If you come from EU/EAA countries, you only need to show your personal identity card or passport to the border police.
On the other hand, if you come from a non-EU/EAA member country, you will need to show several documents to the border police.
- Travel document – issued within ten years and should be valid for more than three months well after your visit is over.
- Visa – when you are visiting Spain.
- Proof of accommodation. You can only pass through the border if you have proof of accommodation.
- Return ticket to your homeland or evidence of further traveling.
- You must show documents for the purpose of your entry.
You must remember that the Border Police hold the right to deny you entry into Spain if they feel your documents are incomplete. They will also ask you questions like:
- Why are you visiting the country?
- How will you financially support yourself during your stay?
- How long will you be staying in the country?
If they are satisfied with your answers, then the police will permit you to enter Spain and thus the Schengen area.
The Border Police must stamp your documents. You will be fined or detained from Spain if the Border Police do not stamp your documents.
For assistance to successfully pass through Spanish border police, contact IAS. Our professional immigration lawyers can help support applicants through the process.
Who Can Apply
| Applicant category | Key evidence required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employed individual | Employment letter/contract; latest salary slips; bank statements for last 6 months; leave authorisation from employer. | Must show they intend to return to current employment. |
| Self-employed / business owner | Copy of business licence; company bank statement for last 6 months; income tax return (ITR). | Evidence of economic activity in home country. |
| Student | Proof of enrolment; no-objection certificate from school/university; documents of extracurricular/associated activity as applicable. | If under age, may require parent/guardian support documents. |
| Retiree | Proof of pension for last 6 months. | Must show sufficient means. |
| Minor (child) | Birth certificate; visa application form signed by both parents; certified ID/passport copies of parents; guardianship consent if travelling with only one parent or someone else. | Both parent signatures generally required at application. |
Spain Sport & Event Visa Requirements
Documents Required For Sport & Events Schengen Visa
The Spanish embassy in your homeland would need you to verify the following:
- your identity
- the purpose of your visit or letter from the organization
- and your background
You can prove these things by submitting various documents such as:
- The visa application – completed and signed visa application form.
- Two photos – should be passport size, a recent clear shot of your head against a light background.
- Valid passport – ensure that you have two empty pages at the end to affix the visa.
- Your passport should not be older than 10 years.
- It should have three more months of validity after you leave Spain and, thus, the Schengen territory.
- Copies of your past and previous, valid and expired, all passports, all pages included.
- Copies of any previous visas.
- Flight tickets clearly showing dates and other important details for entering and leaving Spain.
- Document for proof of accommodation.
- Document showing proof of sustenance during your stay. The individual must have 100€/day or €900 per person regardless of the time of your visit.
- A cover letter – explaining the reasons for your stay and when you will leave Spain.
- Proof of your civil status – marriage certificate, spouse death certificate, birth certificate of children, etc.
Spanish Travel Health Insurance Reuirements
For traveling to Spain and other Schengen states, obtaining Spain travel health insurance is mandatory before your trip. Your insurance must be of a minimum €30,000 and cover all medical emergencies and repatriation costs.
Europe Assistance and Mondial Care are the two health insurance companies accepted by Spanish authorities.
Document checklist
| Document | Description | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application form | Completed (in English or Spanish) and signed. | Use latest version of form. |
| Photographs | Two passport-sized photos (recent, on light background). | Check consulate specification (size etc). |
| Valid passport | Issued within last 10 years; valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen area; at least two blank pages. | Copies of previous passports and visas if applicable. |
| Travel itinerary / return ticket | Flight bookings showing entry and exit from Schengen. | Some advise not purchasing full-fare until visa granted. |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel booking, host invitation, or event organiser’s arrangements. | If staying with third-party, letter of invitation might be required. |
| Financial means proof | For Spain in some cases, enough for stays of 9 + days. | Applicants also submit bank statements, payslips as applicable. |
| Event/organiser invitation | Letter from host organisation in Spain with stay period, reason for invitation, details of activities. | Especially important for sports/events category. |
| Travel insurance | Coverage of at least €30,000, valid for entire Schengen area including repatriation. | Some providers the consulate recognises may be listed. |
| Proof of civil status | Marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, children’s birth certificate, if relevant. | Helps show ties to home country. |
Spain Sport & Event visa Requirements Based On your Employment Status
Your employment status or occupation also influences the Spain Sport & Event Visa requirements:
- For Employed Individuals Visiting Spain on Sport & Event Visa
- Spain Sport & Event visa For Self-Employed
- Spain Sport & Event visa For Students
- Spain Sport & Event visa For Retirees
- Spain Sport & Event visa Requirements For Minors
For Employed Individuals Visiting Spain on Sport & Event Visa
- employment letter/contract
- Income tax receipts (ITR)
- bank receipts from the last six months
- Leave permission from your employer.
Spain Sport & Event visa For Self-Employed
- A copy of your business license
- Company bank statement for the latest six months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
Spain Sport & Event visa For Students
- Proof of enrollment
- No-objection certificate from school or university
- Advertisements
Spain Sport & Event visa For Retirees
- proof of pension for the last six months
If applicable
If you are visiting Spain on Sport & Event visa then you must present
- Proof of regular income generated for the last 6 months
Spain Sport & Event visa Requirements For Minors
There are some additional visa requirements for minors. The parents or guardians must fulfill these requirements when applying for a Spain or Schengen visa for minors.
- Birth certificate
- Spain Visa application form signed by both parents.
- Family court order in case only one parent has full custody of the child.
- Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents
- A guardianship authority consent form is also required if the minor travels with only one parent or with someone else.
Minors should appear with their guardian or parent when applying at the Spanish embassy/consulate in the home country.
Sport & Event Visa Requirements Based On The Purpose Of Visit To Spain
The following documents are required if you apply for a sports and events visa for Spain.
Invitation letter
The signed letter should be from the host organization in Spain, mentioning the following:
- stay period
- reason of invitation
- details of the activities
Event information
You must present documents about proof of events, such as venue, dates, entry tickets, detailed programs, and details about the crew participating.
Proof of Previous Performance
You must also present proof of previous international appearances, medals, certificates, and participation in ceremonies (religious and cultural).
Purpose of Visit / Event-specific Requirements
| Requirement | What to provide | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Invitation letter from host | Signed letter from the Spanish organising body with event dates, venue, nature of participation. | Verifies the applicant’s role and purpose. |
| Event information | Venue, dates, entry tickets, detailed programme, crew details . | Confirms the event is legitimate and the applicant’s involvement. |
| Proof of previous performance/experience | Certificates, medals, participation records, for athletes/teams. | Helps demonstrate genuine sports/training purpose (rather than paid work). |
| Non-gainful/paid activity evidence | Evidence you will not engage in paid employment or violation of Schengen rules. (Generic Schengen doc) | Ensures compliance with short-stay rules. |
How To Apply For Spain Sport & Event Visa?
This visa application process is for a short-stay visa in Spain for Sports and Events. Follow the below order for a successful visa application process.
- Decide what kind of visa you need.
- Know where to apply for the visa. Depending upon your residence, the visa application venue may differ. You can send a visa application to the following:
- The Spanish Embassy
- A Spanish consulate
- A Visa Application Center to which Spain has outsourced visa submission
- The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Spain has outsourced visa submission
- Complete your visa application
- Gather all of the required documents according to your purpose of entry
- Interview appointment
- Attend your interview at the appropriate venue (Spanish Embassy/Consulate/VAC).
Processing Time for Spain Sports & Event Visa
The processing time for a Sports & Event Visa is 15 calendar days. It is necessary to apply a minimum of 15-20 days before the event or a maximum of 3 months before the event.
You should also note that there are peak season times when the embassies receive a lot of visa applications. For that matter, the processing time may take 30 days. And in the most extraordinary case, that may extend to 60 days.
Application / Process & Timelines
| Step | What happens | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 – Determine visa type & competent authority | Identify correct visa category (Sports & Events) and which Spanish consulate/visa centre has jurisdiction. | For UK residents, check Spanish consulate in UK. |
| Step 2 – Complete application & gather documents | Fill application form; collect all required documents as per above tables. | Start early. |
| Step 3 – Book appointment & submit application | Submit in person at consulate or outsourced Visa Application Centre (VAC) for Spain. | Follow local appointment availability. |
| Step 4 – Interview / biometric collection | Attend visa interview (if required). | Some consulates may require this. |
| Step 5 – Waiting / decision | Standard processing time: 15 calendar days; could extend to 30 or 60 days in exceptional/peak season. | Apply ideally 15-20 days before event, up to 3 months ahead. |
| Step 6 – Visa granted and travel | Check visa sticker for entry/exit dates, number of days, validity. At border ensure passport stamped. | Entry still subject to border control. |
Fees for Sport & Event Visa Spain
The Spanish Sport & Event Schengen visa fee is:
| Adult travelers | €80 |
| Spanish visa for children (6 – 12 years) | €40 |
| Spanish visa for children (under 6 years) | Free |
Also, there are some cases where you will be exempted from the visa fee depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and other factors. Or you may also be required to pay a lower amount, depending upon those factors.
How Long Can You Stay in Spain With a Sport & Event Visa?
The maximum days’ validity for Spain’s Sport & Event visa is 90 days per 180 days. But, the length of your stay also depends upon the embassy processing your visa application.
Depending upon the embassy, you can get a 3-month or a 7-day visa.
You can stay during the length of the event or for as long as your participation goes on a maximum of 90 days. However, for more information, you should check the sticker on your Schengen visa to remain up-to-date about your stay.
Stay Limits & Schengen Rules
| Rule | Details | Implications for applicant |
|---|---|---|
| 90/180-day rule | The holder may stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. | Even if visa validity allows longer, must count stays across all Schengen states. |
| Length of stay permitted | For this visa category (Sports/Events) the maximum permitted stay is 90 days (within the 180‐day window). | The visa sticker may provide fewer days, so check carefully. |
| Validity period of visa | May cover more than stay period (e.g., valid entry dates may be longer) but stay days still limited. | Keep track of entries/exits to avoid overstay. |
| Extensions | Only possible in exceptional cases (force majeure, humanitarian) — extension is generally not allowed for this type of stay. | Plan the trip so you don’t need to rely on extension. |
| Entry refusal | Visa does not automatically entitle entry; border officers may refuse if conditions not met (e.g., insufficient means, missing accommodation). | Traveler must carry supporting docs and be prepared for checks. |
How Can IAS Help with Spain Sport & Event visas?
The Spain Sport & Event visa is very tricky, depending upon your residence country. Several documents and places of application can further make it precarious. You need all your paperwork in order for smooth processing.
Immigration Advice Service is a resourceful organization with efficient immigration consultants and lawyers. We help applicants organize documents, schedule interviews, pass the visa process, etc.
We are proficient in the Schengen Area rules and regulations and can even help you with a successful airport transit visa. Apply for a Spain Sport & Event visa knowing that an IAS officer has gotten your back.
We will be with you every step of the way, making your application process more manageable and less daunting.
At IAS, you will get the following benefits of representation:
- one-on-one communication with a dedicated lawyer
- a walk through all required documents and their validity
- Letter of representation, if needed
- Advice and support throughout the process
To get started with your application, call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 today. You can also contact us via live chat or contact form.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents will appear here.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can get a visa extension based on humanitarian reasons or force majeure.
Yes, if they find evidence that your visa application is inconclusive or you fail to present valid documents.
Spain became a Schengen member in 1995, and since then, people visiting Spain have needed a Schengen visa code for short-stay travelers. You will need a Schengen visa if:
- You are traveling from a third-world country that has made it compulsory for its citizens to obtain a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen area.
- You belong to a third-world country that agrees with visa-free movement with Schengen areas, but Spain border police or any other Schengen state previously rejected your visa application.
What our clients are saying
We are the UK’s leading immigration specialists
IAA Accredited UK Immigration lawyers
We’ve had over 25,000 applications approved
We are now open 7 days a week from 8.30am to 6pm.
How our UK Immigration Lawyers can help
At the Immigration Advice Service our lawyers specialise in a wide range of UK visas, nationality and asylum applications and have represented clients in various successful complex and high-profile cases.
Get in Touch
Head Office:
Immigration Advice Service
Ashwood House, Ellen Street
Oldham, OL9 6QR, United Kingdom
Head Office Phone:
+44 (0)333 414 9244
We have over 12 offices across the world, find a branch near you.
Call us now at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or request a call back using the form below.
Related pages for your continued reading
In the news
